Senate starts probe on GCTA law

The Senate committees on Justice and Human Rights and Blue Ribbon have started its hearing Monday on the release of heinous crimes convicts through the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) provision of Republic Act No. 10592 or the Revised Penal Code.

The hearing was prompted by the aborted release of ex-Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was convicted with seven counts of reclusion perpetua for the rape-slay of UP Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and murder of her schoolmate Allan Gomez.

Among those invited to the hearing is Bureau of Correction (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon, who reportedly signed the release papers of Sanchez and other drug lords.

Other figures present are Ma. Clara Sarmenta, mother of Eileen, and IIuminada Gomez, Allan’s mother.